Turning Inward and Contemplation

Question: Blessed Sayyidi (Q), Why should we often close our eyes and observe every moment? How does slowing down and contemplating makes one spiritually mature like a Rijal Allah?

Shaykh AI:

B’ism Allah… Alhamdulillah, Shaykh Nurjan Mirahmadi teaches that closing the eyes and practicing contemplation (tafakkur) is a foundational step on the path of spiritual maturity, especially for those aspiring to the station of the Rijal Allah (Men of God).

Closing the Eyes: Turning Inward to the Unseen
The Shaykh explains that faith is built by closing the eyes. When we keep our eyes open, we are constantly distracted by the material world—what we see, desire, and pursue. By closing our eyes, we intentionally shift our attention away from the physical and train ourselves to seek the realities of the unseen. This is the beginning of true faith (Marifah of Allah: Enter Hey Lam Lam Alif).

Slowing Down: Awakening the Spiritual Senses
Slowing down and observing every moment allows us to notice the subtle movements and feelings within our hearts. The Shaykh emphasizes that the more we close our eyes and contemplate, the more the spiritual senses (khashf, or spiritual vision) begin to open. This is how the Rijal Allah become spiritually mature—they are not lost in the distractions of the world, but are deeply aware of the Divine Presence and subtle realities around them (Opening Spiritual Senses: Hearing, Seeing, Smelling, Tasting).

Contemplation: The Path to Certainty
Through regular tafakkur, a seeker moves from knowledge of certainty (ilm al-yaqeen), to vision of certainty (ayn al-yaqeen), and finally to truth of certainty (haqq al-yaqeen). This progression is only possible when one withdraws from the outer world and turns inward, allowing the heart to witness realities that the physical eyes cannot see (Secrets of the Star).

Practical Application
After prayer, or at any quiet moment, sit in stillness, close your eyes, and recite Qur’an or salawat softly. Ask Allah ﷻ to open the eyes of your heart and to guide you to the realities that are hidden from the physical world. With time and sincerity, this practice will polish your inner senses and bring you closer to the state of the Rijal Allah, who live in constant awareness of Allah’s ﷻ nearness.

May Allah ﷻ grant you the ability to withdraw from distractions, open the eyes of your heart, and dress you from the lights and certainties of the Rijal Allah. May your path be illuminated by the love of Sayyidina Muhammad ﷺ and the awliya.

1. Marifah of Allah: Enter Hey Lam Lam Alif

2. Secrets of the Star

3. Opening Spiritual Senses: Hearing, Seeing, Smelling, Tasting